If there is one major storyline to come out of Barcelona’s preseason, it is Pau Victor. The 22-year-old forward was Barca Atletic’s top scorer last season, and the Blaugrana made his loan move from Girona permanent during July, and he has looked as good as anyone during their US preseason tour.
Oriol Romeu (on loan at Girona): "Returning to Girona means happiness. Last season I watched all games and experienced it as a fan." Via @sport
— barcacentre (@barcacentre) August 8, 2024
A video has emerged from 2020, where Pep Guardiola nudged him in the right direction. The Manchester City manager gave an interview to Post United four years ago in which he took questions, including from a young hopeful Victor. At the time 18, and not getting a game for Girona, he asked what he could do to get better.
“Hello, I’m Pau Victor, a player for Girona’s under-19 side. This year I’m not getting many minutes, and although I’m training well, I’m not playing as much as I would like. I’m asking you for advice because with your football knowledge I would like to know how I could improve.”
Pep Guardiola giving advice to #FCBarcelona's preseason breakout Pau Victor four years ago while he was in Girona's youth team. #ManCity pic.twitter.com/4MJlTPrJte
— Football España (@footballespana_) August 8, 2024
Guardiola is told that Victor is a forward, and says the following.
“I can’t give you advice on how to improve because I haven’t seen you and surely your coach knows you better. Life is this, it’s how you face it. Here is where you show whether you are good enough or not. There are two options: one complains and the other prove it. It’s within Pau, no-one else.”
It looks possible if not probable that Victor will be playing for Barcelona’s first team this season, after three goals and two assists against AC Milan, Manchester City and Real Madrid. He was undoubtedly the most impressive of their youngsters during preseason, and was given far more minutes by Hansi Flick than €30m signing Vitor Roque.
